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Amazing 1 Pot Lemon Shrimp Orzo Secret

One Pot Lemon Shrimp Orzo
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This One Pot Lemon Shrimp Orzo recipe brings a bright, comforting taste right to your table. It is simple to make in a single pot, making cleanup easy. Follow our liquid tips for perfectly cooked orzo every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  3. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
  4. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the orzo and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  6. Pour in the broth and wine, if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  7. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 10 minutes. Do not stir during this time.
  8. Remove the lid. Stir gently. If the liquid is mostly absorbed but the orzo is still too hard, add 1/4 cup more broth or water, cover, and cook for 2-3 more minutes. You want the orzo tender but not mushy.
  9. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, heavy cream (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until creamy.
  10. Add the shrimp to the orzo mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  12. Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For perfect liquid absorption, use the recommended broth amount and avoid stirring the orzo while it simmers covered. This allows the starch to release slowly.
  • If you skip wine, use the full 3 cups of broth.
  • For a lighter version, skip the heavy cream. The starch from the orzo will still create a creamy sauce.
  • If your shrimp cooks too fast, remove the pot from the heat while it finishes cooking to prevent overcooking the pasta.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/one-pot-lemon-shrimp-orzo-liquid-tips/